Government of Canada Congratulates Aboriginal Medical Graduates
Ottawa, Ontario –(May 30, 2009) – Today, Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, congratulated six Aboriginal students on their graduation from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM). This year the school celebrates a significant milestone with its first graduation of medical school undergraduates.”These students have much to be proud of with their achievement at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine,” said MP Greg Rickford, who was himself a nurse in the region. “The Government of Canada shares this pride, and we know that they will make lasting contributions to healthcare in both Aboriginal and Northern communities over the course of their careers.”
This charter class began their studies at NOSM in 2005, in a unique medical program designed to train physicians with an affinity and skill for practicing medicine in Aboriginal, rural or urban Northern Ontario communities.
“In addition to a top flight medical degree, all graduates have an understanding of the distinctiveness and importance of providing physician services to vast regions in Canada like northwestern Ontario, typically composed of rural and remote communities, including many isolated First Nation communities,” said MP Rickford.
NOSM is a joint initiative by Lakehead University and Laurentian University, with campuses in Thunder Bay and Sudbury, as well as teaching and research sites across Northern Ontario.
Today’s graduation demonstrates the importance of partnership and collaboration between from people throughout the region including staff, students, faculty members, community members, Board members, host universities and government.
For more information, please contact
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Minister’s Office
Nina Chiarelli
819-997-0002
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Media Relations
819-953-1160
